Bristol traders opposed to new bus gate on Park Street

Bristol City Council is scheduled to hold a full council meeting on Tuesday to discuss a highly controversial road improvement scheme. The plan aims to restrict vehicle access on major city roads but has been criticized as a "disastrous" measure, raising concerns among local businesses and residents.

According to the proposal by Bristol City Council, a 24-hour bus lane will be introduced on Park Street, along with the addition of new bus lanes to shorten bus journey times and ensure punctuality. The plan is a crucial component of upgrading bus route 2, which runs along the A37 and A4018 corridors, with the goal of encouraging sustainable transportation options for commuters.

However, Conservative councilors have criticized the plan as "excessive and unnecessary," warning that it could have a "disastrous impact" on businesses in the shopping area. They argue that restricting vehicle access will severely affect customer traffic for merchants, leading to a decline in business and potential closures.

First Bus, which operates the city's bus services, stated that many routes passing through Park Street are frequently delayed due to traffic congestion. The company believes that the plan aims to address this issue by providing faster and more reliable bus services, thereby enhancing the appeal of sustainable transportation. Furthermore, the City Council also plans to convert Queens Road into a two-way single lane, transform half of the existing road layout into public green space, while widening sidewalks on Park Street, adding new bicycle lanes, and eliminating some paid parking spaces.

Following the consultation process, road renovation work could begin as early as the end of this year. However, many businesses located in the popular shopping area have threatened to close down directly if the plan is implemented in its current form. Conservative Councilor John Goulandris stated, "Our group has previously articulated ample reasons why this is a profoundly bad innovation, and it will spell the end for many shops on Park Street. We will continue to argue our case strongly and enlist the support of local business organizations to oppose this plan." The results of the meeting will be announced on Tuesday, bringing clarity to the future of the project.